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First compressor, please advise!

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amalik

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Hi all,

Relatively new homeowner here. I've been doing research to buy my first compressor.

I'm looking to run a set of air tools for auto (ratchet and impact), and maybe down the line a nailer for around the house type of stuff.

My main question is -- Will this work as a starter?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-6-Gal-150-PSI-Portable-Air-Compressor-C2002/203162815

I don't need advice that XYZ product is much better (But 3x the price) -- I'm aware that a $300 compressor is going to be superior compared to $100 or that Dewalt is king etc etc :)

I'm asking a yes/no 'will it work'?

i.e. is the PSI output and gallon capacity sufficient for auto air tools and a nailer?

Thanks!
 
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CJM8515

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That wil barely run an air ratchet for a mintue tops and it will barely allow you to remove lugnuts using an impact. Too small a tank, to little CFM (airflow), way long recovery time to refill the tank. That little guy would be good at blowing up pool toys and running a brad nailer.

If you want to run an impact gun, a battery powered one would be a better option.
 
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amalik

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CJM8515 said:
That wil barely run an air ratchet for a mintue tops and it will barely allow you to remove lugnuts using an impact. Too small a tank, to little CFM (airflow), way long recovery time to refill the tank. That little guy would be good at blowing up pool toys and running a brad nailer.

If you want to run an impact gun, a battery powered one would be a better option.
Click to expand...

Thank you!

So what is the next 'line' up I need to look at?

I.e. can you give me some technical specs.

*edit* - I think I'm getting closer. I found a good buyers guide. Looks like I have some homework to do.

http://www.homedepot.com/c/air_compressors_HT_BG_TH
 
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Leaflessshadetree

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Simple way to choose a compressor. Ignore the tank, motor size and pressure rating you often see in big letters. Look at the CFM requirements both for the tools you want to use and the compressor you are considering. Think about the period of time you will use them.

That should be fine for a small nailer (which just requires a quick puff of air with each nail).
It would probably keep up with a framing nailer (it will have time to catch up while you are cutting or getting the next board).
It is also small and portable which is nice because nailers are rarely used in one area, (usually move to where the construction is).

For an impact my 33 Gallon overrated 6HP compressor puts out about 6 CFM. Sometimes I'm able to remove or install 1 wheel on a car without waiting on it.
With that one you would have to wait between each nut.
 
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Davefr

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Yes, it'll work since the tools you describe have a short duty cycle. It'll probably remove a few lug nuts and then need to recover. That's not too much of a problem because by the time you move to the next tire it'll probably be full again.

It won't be optimal but for homeowner/DIY tasks it'll be marginally OK.

What you won't be able to do is tasks with high duty cycles and high air consumption like sanding, drilling, grinding, sandblasting, etc.
 
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amalik

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all great feedback. I think jumping from $99 to $199 with the one @engineer2 just pointed out isn't going to kill me, especially considering it was $400 (dang home depot, do I believe you? :lol_hitti)

I think of it this way -- I'm grabbing brand new air tools today from Craigslist for $40 (ratchet and impact) -- the compressor is $200 that engineer2 pointed out -- that puts me at $240 with room to grow for future air tools with a good compressor.

I was looking at Milwaukee electric equivalents. Although more flexible with no hoses, M12 impact and a electric ratchet would have me at $250, $10 more, but with no 'future tool use' minus the batteries associated with the Milwaukee's.
 
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engineer2

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Keep in mind that's a light duty compressor, probably 50% run time at the most, so it doesn't get too hot. Fine for air tools, but not for sand blasting. As you said, it's your FIRST compressor, eventually as you needs grow, you can upgrade and sell the old one to help fund the new one. I'm on my 3rd compressor in 35 years.

Love my cordless 18V impact, but I got by with air tools for years. I use my cordless impact more for home repairs than automotive work, but it's great for taking lug nuts off.
 
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Davefr

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Leaflessshadetree said:
With that one you would have to wait between each nut.
Click to expand...

No, that's not accurate. I have one of those little PC units and you can do about a tires worth of lug nuts before pressure becomes unusable. It'll do about 6-7 2 second impact trigger pulls before the gun becomes unusable.

Recycle will start at about 5 seconds of impact work but there's still plenty of capacity to complete a tire's worth of lug nuts. (assuming it's a car or light truck).

By the time you move to the next tire it's full and ready to do another tire.
 
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md21722

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You need at least 2HP 26 gallon for an impact to do any work. I used a pancake with impact just like that. Took 20 minutes to do something that a 2HP 26 gallon did in 20 seconds. Think one lug nut before a pancake kicks on and very, very noisy. Air ratchets typically run longer than an impact so expect them to be even worse.
 
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amalik

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engineer2 said:
Keep in mind that's a light duty compressor, probably 50% run time at the most, so it doesn't get too hot. Fine for air tools, but not for sand blasting. As you said, it's your FIRST compressor, eventually as you needs grow, you can upgrade and sell the old one to help fund the new one. I'm on my 3rd compressor in 35 years.

Love my cordless 18V impact, but I got by with air tools for years. I use my cordless impact more for home repairs than automotive work, but it's great for taking lug nuts off.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking of the home depot one you posted me.

Would that be pretty tool-upgrade-worthy in the future? I'm assuming there are even beefier ones, but just sayin'.
 
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CNGsaves

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OP . . . . do yourself a favor and don't get compressor that's too small. Also, you should AVOID oil-less compressor unless it's California Air, Rol-Air, or couple others.

Your needs now indicate you need a MEDIUM size compressor that is still mobile. For sure you'll need full 20A circuit so you can run a demanding 120v compressor. I'd suggest a 20 to 33 gallon OIL-SPLASH belt-driven compressor. That will run your air impact and still be mobile enough for other duties.

Long-term, you WILL end up with 2 or more compressors and 2nd one needs to be 240v and 5 HP/60 gallon. Often, homeowner ends with 3 compressors . . . yep . . super-small mobile like pancake or dual-stacked small tanks, then a medium sized and ultimately 5 HP/60 gal.

Compressors are excellent thing to buy on CL as a quality one simply doesn't wear out in a few years . . . IF . . oil-splash. There are specific ones you should look for like SpeedAire "painters edition" that has 20 gallon horizontal tank and motor that is 120v/240v. Craftsman also had similar older model that was very good. Newer Craftsman Professional (either horizontal or vertical tank) that are belt-driven would be another to look for on CL. Other brands like Devil Bliss, Campbell Hausfeld, Curtis, etc would have belt-driven oil splash compressors in that size.

EXAMPLE Searches:
Google > > > > air compressor 20 gal site:craigslist.org
Google > > > > air compressor 30 gal site:craigslist.org
Google > > > > air compressor 33 gal site:craigslist.org
Google > > > > air compressor Craftsman site:craigslist.org
Google > > > > air compressor SpeedAire site:craigslist.org
Google > > > > air compressor belt site:craigslist.org
Google > > > > air compressor 60 gal site:craigslist.org

etc . . based on brand or size you're looking for . . . can include state to narrow the "shotgun search" to get feeling of what's out there and prices in your area.

Example good medium size compressor for $100 - - - 2 HP 20 gal Craftsman
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/5613502542.html

Example of Campbell Hausfeld for $200 OBO - - - 3.5 HP 20 gal
http://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/5611944973.html
 
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48548

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This is what I bought, but a little more than what you wanted to spend. I have the 220 ready for a new 2 stage, but don't even use this one enough to justify a new one.

20150812_181804_zpszmb5igbw.jpg


20150811_190429_zpshc9qq4tb.jpg
 
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theoldwizard1

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CJM8515 said:
That wil barely run an air ratchet for a mintue tops and it will barely allow you to remove lugnuts using an impact. Too small a tank, to little CFM (airflow), way long recovery time to refill the tank. That little guy would be good at blowing up pool toys and running a brad nailer.
Click to expand...

I disagree. Impacts are used a burst at a time. Your not in a NASCAR pit so if you have to wait a minute or two for the tank to refill, so what ! A GOOD cordless impact will set you back $150-$200 (Milwaukee M12 Fuel) or more if you opt for the 18V version. And that is just the impact wrench.

A lot of the ratchets are there are useless because they don't have enough torque. (Do you want mine ? 25+ years old. Probably less than a couple of hours of use.) The HF 3/8" Earthquake Ratchet is pretty decent, but so is the Astro "reactionless" 3/8" ratchet.

If you ARE going to go with a compressor, check on the Astro 3/8" Nano. Lot's of power for the size and you can save a lot of money by only purchasing 1 set of sockets for both!

The biggest downside of those pancake compressors is they are VERY LOUD !

This is almost twice the price, but it should handle anything you throw at it and it is VERy QUIET ! 5.5 Gal. 1.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor
 
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TomB19

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Davefr said:
No, that's not accurate. I have one of those little PC units and you can do about a tires worth of lug nuts before pressure becomes unusable. It'll do about 6-7 2 second impact trigger pulls before the gun becomes unusable.
Click to expand...

I'll bet you have a good quality impact. A cheaper impact will use air far less efficiently.
 
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Davefr

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TomB19 said:
I'll bet you have a good quality impact. A cheaper impact will use air far less efficiently.
Click to expand...

My test was done with an IR 2135TiMax which averages 5 CFM. (20 CFM Max). All it takes is about a 1-2 second trigger pull and lug nuts will spin right off.

I agree that results will vary depending on the tool.
 
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njric71

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amalik said:
I was looking at Milwaukee electric equivalents. Although more flexible with no hoses, M12 impact and a electric ratchet would have me at $250,
Click to expand...


Milwaukee has all kinds of good deals going on right now.

http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/milwaukee-deal-zone/milwaukee-deal-zone,default,sc.html


I've been eyeballing the battery powered ratchet for almost a year now. Cheapest price no mater where I bought it was $150 for ratchet, charger 1 battery and a case. I know it will be handy to have I just didn't know if it would be $150 worth of handy to have.

I did the M12 "buidl your own combo" special. For $198 I was able to get the ratchet, plus a 3/8" Impact driver 2 batteries a charger, and a bag to keep them in. That's like getting a whole extra tool and extra battery for only $50 more. And then because spending $199 would get me free shipping I of course had to spend at least 1 more dollar.. LOL

This is how I opted to spend "just one more dollar"
http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/factory...t=33&cgid=milwaukee-reconditioned-power-tools

I've always had good luck with factory reconditioned stuff. At least I know some human set of eye balls has looked it over and made sure everything was right with it. The "fuel" series from Milwaukee is supposed to have damn near as much power as the regular 18V Drill. It should handle 99% of my drilling needs and gets me a high capacity battery, regular battery and extra charger that will work with the other tools I ordered.

And the even better part was that I could pay with paypal. I've got a line of credit with paypal which will give me 6 months interest free to pay for it all. Always nice to use other peoples money when it ain't costing me anything to do so.
 
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Jacobson

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The CAT quiet ones have very low CFM ratings compared to the Husky
 
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md21722

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The Milwaukee M18 Fuel are very well regarded and I consider them money well spent.

In my area oil less compressors go for very cheap because people hate them. There are also many for parts or to make BBQ smokers out of because they're not worth repairing.

I consider the 2HP 29 gallon Harbor Freight unit good value for the money.

If you want to run DA sanders, sand blasters, angle grinders, and air drills empty your pockets. 7.5-15HP is about right for these. A 5 HP will struggle to keep up and probably won't if the tool is powerful and you need to run it for a long time.

Many air tools are rated for "average CFM" assuming 15 seconds of use in a 1 minute period. So if it says 4-5 CFM then it means a 16-20CFM compressor to run continuously. This means you can use a flap wheel on a die grinder to get rid of some rust scale in a small area and the compressor won't come on. But if you need to run it for a minute straight then you need the HP to run the tool. Stuff like sanding typically takes a while so you need the HP. And if you want to run these "big tools" don't even waste your time with a 3 HP 60 gallon tank because they won't cut it. They only look nice in the garage.

Not trying to scare you away, just sharing what I learned over the years... the first compressor I used was an antique tankless job that was used to air up the tires in the family cars. When I bought my first house I got a 3HP 60 gallon unit. It couldn't keep up with my little die grinder but was great for the impact. When I moved and lost 220V power I bought a 2HP 26 gallon one that was just as good for the impact & air ratchet. But when I wanted to run sanders, drills, and die/angle grinders I sold it & stepped up again.
 
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theoldwizard1

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engineer2 said:
Keep in mind that's a light duty compressor, probably 50% run time at the most, so it doesn't get too hot. Fine for air tools, but not for sand blasting.
Click to expand...

Die grinder or cut off wheel might be a bit of a problem. Just be patient !
 
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Todd.Brock

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The pancake compressor is for a portable solution or for air nailers. The husky mentioned will get you started just fine. You may just have to wait if using a cut off wheel or air ratchet. - they are so damn noisy , don't be surprised if it doesn't see a lot of action. - imo
I ran a 30 gallon 5 hp craftsman for years and it did the trick for DIY light duty stuff
Good luck and have fun!
 
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Cruzomatic

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amalik

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Thanks for all the replies. Can someone tell me the pros and cons of oil vs oil-less? I'm deciding between the Home Depot husky no oil and the HF oil, they are similar in price and performance

Oil free, no maintenance... But does that mean shorter pump life?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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Davefr

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amalik said:
Thanks for all the replies. Can someone tell me the pros and cons of oil vs oil-less? I'm deciding between the Home Depot husky no oil and the HF oil, they are similar in price and performance

Oil free, no maintenance... But does that mean shorter pump life?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Oil free compressors are usually "toy quality", direct drive, short life, very noisy, unrepairable but cheaper.

Oil lubricated units tend to be better quality, quieter running, belt driven, long life (especially if cast iron) but more expensive.

There are exceptions!!!

For a homeowner, the 2 HP, 33 gallon, portable units that are cast iron/belt driven/oil lubricated are pretty good units.
 
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amalik

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Davefr said:
Oil free compressors are usually "toy quality", direct drive, short life, very noisy, unrepairable but cheaper.

Oil lubricated units tend to be better quality, quieter running, belt driven, long life (especially if cast iron) but more expensive.

There are exceptions!!!

For a homeowner, the 2 HP, 33 gallon, portable units that are cast iron/belt driven/oil lubricated are pretty good units.
Click to expand...
Ah

I see

In this case, this unit (referenced by someone in this thread) is a little cheaper than the husky oil free... And lighter as well.

http://m.harborfreight.com/21-gal-2...r-61454.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

The only remaining concern is HF is hit or miss on quality... so would be nice if anyone could vouch for it.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
 
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48548

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amalik said:
Ah

I see

In this case, this unit (referenced by someone in this thread) is a little cheaper than the husky oil free... And lighter as well.

http://m.harborfreight.com/21-gal-2...r-61454.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

The only remaining concern is HF is hit or miss on quality... so would be nice if anyone could vouch for it.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I had the older version for about 3 years until it just started to overheat and shut off. Then I replaced it with the IR. It worked fine for what it was. Also I did lend it out to my father for about a year. If money was an issue I would buy one again and add in the extended warranty from HF.
 
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JerryC

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My 2 cents, don't overlook the air hose and fittings The air hose and fittings are very, very important for running an impact. Get 3/8 hose and use high flow fittings. The switch from regular 1/4 ordinary air fittings to 1/4 Milton V type took my impact from turd to stud.
 
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